US-Saudi Strikes in Iraq Mark Escalation Against Pro-Iranian Militias

On the night between July 28 and 29, 2026, the United States and Saudi Arabia launched a rare joint military strike against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, killing at least 20 militia members. This operation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with these groups, which had recently intensified drone attacks against American and Saudi targets. Following the strikes, the militias raised their alert levels and evacuated several command centers across Iraq, fearing further attacks.

The US Central Command reported that the militias, directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, had conducted over 30 drone attacks within 72 hours, targeting Saudi oil facilities and Riyadh from bases in Iraq. The strikes targeted logistics sites and weapons depots in multiple Iraqi provinces including Basra, Wasit, Karbala, Nineveh, Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, and Diyala. The umbrella organization of these militias, Al-Hashd al-Shaabi, confirmed the casualties and damage to their infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia emphasized it does not seek escalation but warned it will respond to any attacks against it. Military expert Faisal Al-Hamid described the strikes as a clear message to the militias that Saudi Arabia knows the locations of their command centers and can neutralize them if necessary. He stressed the operation was limited and aimed at establishing new rules of engagement: "If you repeat these attacks, we will respond."

Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq grew stronger after the 2003 US invasion and especially after 2014 during the fight against ISIS, gaining weapons, legitimacy, and Iranian support through funding, training, and advanced weaponry including rockets and drones. Since October 7, 2023, these militias have increased attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria and launched drone and missile strikes against Israel.

The Iraqi government reacted with heightened caution; Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi convened an emergency government meeting and canceled a planned visit to Saudi Arabia. Ronen Zeidel, an Iraq expert at Tel Aviv University, noted the unusual nature of Saudi airstrikes in Iraq and suggested the situation could affect the planned US withdrawal of advisors by September 30. He highlighted Iran’s potential influence over the conflict’s intensity, depending on whether it chooses to restrain or empower the militias.